Charell Belcher

Set list

Influences and inspiration

When I was younger, my mother introduced me to artists like Endia Arie and Lauryn Hill. These were women who looked like me and captured a sound of soulful elegance. Music from these two outlined and encouraged black love and unity. Endia became the face of self love and deviated away from social constructs that harmed young girls like myself. Miss hill became a pillar in hip hop history and an example to young women and men to understand their value. She also spoke on the systematic injustices of black and brown people in a way that the world responded to. Prior to my faith in Jesus, these were two artists who heavily shaped my vision in what music should be: an instrument for change.

While I do not subscribe to the spiritual practices of Ms. Hill and Arie, I still greatly appreciate their contribution to society and culture as a whole. Their fearlessness to confront social systems really offered comfort and a place of belonging to my spirit. Now I find myself listening and being inspired by less mainstream, more underground artist like Madison Ryann Ward. Her lyricism adapted by scripture really hits home in my heart. Madison has a deep vocal gifting that convicts her audience. Her reference to God and narration of personal life events, makes what she produces a very intimate experience and something I appreciate greatly.

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